Chives vs green onions: what’s the difference? They look similar, with a dark green color: and even have a similar oniony flavor. But there are marked differences between the two! Here’s a breakdown on what makes them distinct, and when you can use them as substitutes.
Chives vs green onions: the differences
What’s the exact difference between the two? Here’s the difference between these similar looking plants:
Chives is a flowering green plant that’s classified as an herb, with dark green stalks and light purple flowers. It’s part of the onion or allium family (scientific name Allium schoenoprasum). Chives are often used fresh chopped as a garnish for soups, salads, omelettes, seafood, and more, and the flowers are also edible. Dried chives are sold in stores, and used in dips and salad dressings. Chives are often used in French and Mediterranean cuisine, and are easy to grow in a pot or garden. Green onions aka scallions, are a member of the onion or allium family (scientific name Allium cepa). They have long hollow green shoots and small white bulbs. Their flavor is milder than a yellow onion or red onion, with a hint of garlic and chive. Green onions are used in many cuisines, from Mexican to Japanese to Southeast Asian.
Chives vs green onion: how to tell them apart
It’s easy to tell the difference between chives vs green onion by looking at them. Here’s what distinguishes them:
Chives are much smaller than green onions with no bulbs. Chives are small and delicate. In the grocery store, they’re sold next to the other herbs (basil, thyme, etc) in small boxes. They’re easy to grow at home: which we highly recommend!Green onions have white bulbs at the ends, and are sold in bunches in the produce aisle. See those white bulbs with roots on the ends? Those are green onions. They’re sold in the produce aisle at the grocery, often near large bunches of cilantro and Italian parsley.
Can you substitute one for the other?
Yes! Here’s the rule of thumb when substituting one for the other:
The best substitute for chives? Green onions. The dark green part tastes a lot like the fresh flavor of chives. You can substitute it one-for-one. So 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion greens = 1 tablespoon chopped chives.The best green onion substitute? Chives. This green green herb has a remarkably similar flavor to the green onion and looks very similar. The flavor of chives is a bit more delicate, so you could use a few more if desired. 1 medium green onion / scallion = 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped chives. If green onion is used as a garnish in the recipe, chives work particularly well: you may not even need to measure.
What recipes can you make with chives?
Looking for chives recipes? Here are some ways to use them:
Eggs: Eggs with Chives or Fluffy Scrambled EggsDips: Greek Yogurt Chive DipPotatoes: Roasted Potatoes with Chive Oil or Healthy Mashed Sweet PotatoesSoups: Green Pea Soup with Chive Flowers or Loaded Potato SoupSalads: Apple Manchego Salad with Chives
What recipes can you make with green onions?
Looking for green onion recipes? Here are some ways to use them:
Pizza: Charred Green Onion PizzaDressing: Zesty Green Goddess DressingVegetables: Simple Sauteed Broccoli Salads: Classic Egg Salad, Classic Creamy Potato Salad, or Chickpea SaladStir Fries: Easy Stir Fry VegetablesFried Rice or Noodles: Fried Rice or Quick Soba NoodlesDips: Easy Spinach Dip or Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar)
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